Ursula Ridens RD

About Ursula

Welcome!  I invite you to join with me in your pursuit of healthier living.  I look forward to this journey and seeing you to your destination.  I have worked with many individuals who have dieted during their past but all have discovered that dieting was not a good fit for them.  Dieting seemed to fall short of giving them the lifestyle skills that they needed to maintain their desired level of health and fitness.  I am here today to guide you, using an approach that is, perhaps, not yet as popular as dieting…I’m excited to share with you the non-diet approach.  In our work together you will not only be exposed to the latest science-based nutrition information but also the non-diet approach and intuitive eating.  You will learn the techniques and strategies necessary to meet your unique health goals through the personal coaching and support that you will receive, as well as utilizing the valuable nutrition information that I offer through the Real Living Nutrition Services programs.

So, you may be wondering about my personal story.  I was born and raised in sunny San Diego, California.  While loving the closeness of my family, the weather, and the beauty of San Diego, I decided to stay in my hometown to attend San Diego State University (SDSU).  I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition in 1999.  I continued on to complete my dietetic internship in 2000 through SDSU and became a registered dietitian in 2001.  As a child, my interest in nutrition came from seeing heart disease and weight struggles in my family.  As a college student, my interest became more specialized in the area of eating disorders as I observed peers wrestling with unhealthy relationships with food and their bodies. 

I have been blessed to have had a range of work experiences which contribute to my knowledge base.  I have counseled individuals with heart disease, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders.  I have also developed nutrition programs for both residential and outpatient programs treating eating disorders and have 2 years experience as the nutrition director for a residential eating disorders treatment center.  For the past 7 years, I have been working in private practice, providing nutrition therapy to individuals who struggle with disordered eating, ranging from emotional eating, overeating, binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia, as well as those looking for weight management, sports nutrition, and general health and wellness.  I have truly found my passion…helping my clients find their way to peace with food and their bodies through normal eating and movement while optimizing their health, energy, and/or performance.

I keep my professional skills current through local networking groups as well as upholding memberships through the American Dietetic Association (ADA), San Diego Dietetic Association, Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists practice group through the ADA, and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP).  Additionally, I’m an active board member of the San Diego Chapter of IAEDP.  I lecture to various groups including professionals, college and high school students, and the community.

I am a wife and mother to my 4 year old daughter.  I understand the challenges that come along with “wearing different hats”…wife, mother, career woman, housekeeper, etc.  Good nutrition is one important area of our lives but I believe it’s important to be realistic and realize that the goal is not to be perfect with food or to try to achieve the “perfect” body.  My personal philosophy is to make nutritious choices most of the time, while allowing room for those “fun” foods that many dieters have vowed to avoid.

I look forward to meeting you and guiding you through the steps that you choose to take to reach a healthier you! 

Fun Facts About Me

• I enjoy yearly trips to the desert.

• My favorite food is pizza, favorite dessert is cheesecake, and favorite candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – all of which I do enjoy within reason!

• I have been to Alaska twice, once in the winter…burrrrr and another time in the summer…beautiful!

• I love walking, especially with friends.

• I was a gymnast as a child and through my high school years.

• I used to ride and show horses.

Want to Work with Ursula?

Just enter her Registered Dietitian Code when you register for one of our programs

Code #: 3013

Need More Information?

We offer one on one support with our personalized online weight loss programs. You can learn more about how our process works by hitting the button below.

If you have questions or comments please contact Ursula here